Calendar

Canadian roots/swing duo Over The Moon’s Suzanne Levesque and Craig Bignell are awarding multi-instrumentalists/vocalists that met, fell in love, got married and discovered their voices blend so well together that people often tear up upon hearing them sing.

Living on a ranch in the foothills of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, it’s inevitable there will be a strong sense of place- and the rhythms of the land when you start to make music. When the couple released their debut album, the resonances were there for all to hear. reflecting the pulse of life, lived in a territory that is both dirt-hard rugged and beautiful.

Their music is a wild ride from 40’s sounding western swing and Appalachian old-time, to cowboy blues. Simple and sweet, all of their material has a common thread that speaks of the Canadian west and on their UK release, reviews were glowing. American Roots UK saying it was “Exceptional” and Country Music People adding “There’s so much to enjoy here.” The editor of Maverick Magazine told readers “You will love this” Elmore Magazine, New York “We knew we were on to something special”

When you meet her, Jenie Thai is composed, pleasant, amiable, friendly, and — she won’t like the word but you have to live with it — sweet. She has an open face, long blonde hair, a ready smile and an easy laugh.And she is also tough, and gritty, and plays barrelhouse piano steeped in the blues — and if that wasn’t enough to get your head around, she also writes and sings tough and tender ballads, direct from her heart to yours.There’s a new album, Night on Fire, released on Sept 28, 2018 and — while she now calls Toronto home — she lives on the road, and there’s dust on her shoes, love in her heart, and a whole lot of music in her soul.

Press Quotes

With a combination of contemporary and traditional blues piano, and a fiery passionate voice, Jenie “Thai” Nolan has been making a name for herself across the country and the world. View Article– Vue Weekly, Stephan Boissonneault“If anyone thought about the combination of traits required for a timeless and impactful career, they would most likely be describing the same traits possessed by the featured artist in this edition of Notes & Quotes: Jenie Thai. Although self described as someone who is just emerging onto the music scene, she has an impressive resume in both music academia and press reviews.”– Maple Blues Newsletter, Erin McCallum“Pianist/singer Jenie Thai from Edmonton, now residing in Toronto: Jenie came with questions and loads of confidence.”– FYI Music News, Bill King

Cobourg-based singer-songwriter David Newland is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Inspired by his own Arctic adventures, David’s songs, stories and photographs explore the Canadian fascination with the North. David will perform his new album, Northbound in its entirety in this intimate, passionate performance!

David will be joined by Saskia Tomkins, Steafan Hannigan and Sam Allison.

To find a unique voice on so ubiquitous an instrument as the acoustic guitar is quite an achievement: to do so within a centuries old idiom where the instrument has no real history is truly remarkable.

Tony McManus has come to be recognized throughout the world as the leading guitarist in Celtic Music. From early childhood his twin obsessions of traditional music and acoustic guitar have worked together to produce a startlingly original approach to this ancient art. In Tony’s hands the complex ornamentation normally associated with fiddles and pipes are accurately transferred to guitar in a way that preserves the integrity and emotional impact of the music.

Self taught from childhood, initially through listening to the family record collection, McManus abandoned academia in his twenties to pursue music full time. The session scene in Glasgow and Edinburgh provided the springboard for gigs around Scotland and a studio set for BBC Radio, frequently rebroadcast, began to spread the word.

Tony’s first self titled recording in 1996, followed by Pourquoi Quebec in 1999 led to worldwide recognition. However, it was with the release of Ceol More in 2002 that Tony’s stature as a first class musician reached a new level. Critics hailed the focussed, spell-binding nature of the music, from the plaintive Jewish hymn “Shalom Aleichem” to the ingenious arrangement of the Charles Mingus classic “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat”. Having been nominated as Musician of the Year by both the BBC Folk Awards and The Scottish Traditonal Music awards, in 2002 “Ceol More” hit the Critic’s Album of the year list in Acoustic Guitar magazine and named “Live Ireland Awards” Album of the Year.

Tony’s work has come to represent Celtic music in the guitar world, making regular appearances at guitar specific events where just a few years ago jigs and reels would be unheard of. He is invited annually to the Chet Atkins Festival in Nashville, has appeared at Guitar Festivals in Soave and Pescantina, Sarzana and Francacorta Italy; Frankston, Australia; Issoudun and Bordeaux France; Kirkmichael, Scotland; Bath and Kent, England; Bochum and Osnabruck, Germany. In 2004 he appeared at the famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in the “All Star Guitar Night” featuring Steve Morse, Bryan Sutton, Muriel Anderson, Béla Fleck and Victor Wooten and headlined by the legendary Les Paul.

His ability to reach audiences unfamiliar with traditional music is remarkable- he is quite comfortable at predominantly classical events such as the Dundee and Derry Guitar Festivals (appearing six times between the two) the Uppsala Guitar Festival and even The Bogotá International Guitar Festival where he followed virtuoso Eduardo Fernandez.

Today his live work ranges from intimate solo performance through his trio with brothers Gary and Greg Grainger to the quartet Men of Steel (with fellow guitarists Dan Crary, Beppe Gambetta and Don Ross). He is an enthusiastic collaborator both as a leader and as a sideman having worked with, among many others Dougie McLean, Phil Cunningham, Mairi MacInnes, Liam O’Flynn, Martin Simpson, Kevin Burke, Alison Brown, Martyn Bennett, Natalie MacMaster, Patrick and Jacky Molard, Mairead ní Mhoanaigh and Dermot Byrne, The Nashville Chamber Orchestra, John Jorgenson, Jean Michel Veillon, Catriona Macdonald, Seikou Keita, Xosé Manuel Budiño, Ewen Vernal and Andy Irvine.

He is also in great demand as a studio musician having contributed to over 60 albums. In addition to his solo output Tony has worked with both singers and instrumentalists providing his distinctive sound on many successful projects.

His 2009 release “The Makers’s Mark” saw him showcase 15 of the finest luthier built guitars available. Recording a solo piece on each instrument, the project caught the attention of the mainstream rock guitar press in a way that acoustic work rarely does.

The following year, a chance hearing on Irish radio led to an invite to contribute music to the soundtrack of Oscar winning director Neil Jordan’s film “Ondine” starring Colin Farrell.

Never one to be typecast, Tony’s new album “Mysterious Boundaries” is his most ambitious to date. An encouraging challenge from mandolin virtuoso Mike Marshall to learn the Bach E Major Prelude on guitar led to an exploration of classical and baroque music – seemingly very different to the jigs and reels that he grew up with. By examining the boundaries between genres and sticking to his steel string guitar (rather than the conventional classical guitar) McManus has produced a work of great originality and beauty, hailed by his peers as “a masterpiece” (Renbourn), “beyond beautiful… it’s PERFECT!” (Tommy Emmanuel) and which contains a truly remarkable rendition of Bach’s colossal Chaconne in D Minor – one of the greatest compositions of any age.

Whatever work McManus brings within his scope the listener is assured a journey into the depths of the music in the company of a great talent.

Kingstown NEW Mississippi’s music is rooted in the blues and sways from punk to rockabilly. We are loud and fast yet everyone from the “college” crowd to “senior citizens” have no problem getting involved and getting excited about the music. Great dancing happens at any age.

Earl “Street Corner” Coleman (lead guitar), Freddie Vendetta (vocal and rhythm guitar), Duke Dorey (bass) and Gary Lavallee (drummer) doing a little something new and original to the traditions of the Blues. You’ll like where they are coming from and you’ll like where they’re going, especially, if you LOVE to DANCE. Yes! original music you can really dance to.

Tony Vani has been making music in the Belleville area for decades. Folks in the music community know him as a versatile performer, cranking out blues and classic rock with the Stir, gospel blues with Tony Vani and the Holy Blues Band, solo performances and some work with slide guitarist Kenny Pauze.

“Tony is a respected singer and guitarist, but it is his harmonica playing that really grabs me by the throat with harmonica lines that seem to emanate from the depths of a troubled soul. The best description for his playing is ‘authentic.’ I hear flashes of Charlie Musselwhite and the immortal Little Walter in some of his playing.” – David Reed, Belleville Intelligencer.

The Holy Blues band members consist of harmonica/vocalist Tony Vani, guitarist Matt Smith, bassist, Vitas Slapkauskas, and drummer Chris Lingard. Join them as they interpret the likes of Gospel Blues singers Fred McDowell, the Staple Singers and Reverent Gary Davis in a rootsy style that’s clearly close to their heart as well the bands R&B musical roots.

This contemplative and often thrilling quartet’s explorations of modern, original repertoire is led by a fast-rising star in Toronto’s jazz piano community — 26 year old NICK MACLEAN. Formed in 2016, Maclean’s foursome delivers jazz between the two poles of thoughtful introspection and powerhouse conveyance, taking influences from Herbie Hancock‘s primordial 1960’s Blue Note era recordings, while paying tribute to some of the greatest improvisers in jazz history.

The group is frequently lauded for the strength of their collective improvisatory vision and features one of Canada’s most provocative improvising trumpet-playing iconoclasts Brownman Ali, standing shoulder to shoulder with Maclean & two of Toronto’s top-tier rhythm section 20-somethings: Jesse Dietschi on bass and Tyler Goertzen on drums. The synergy of the 4 is always palpable in concert.

The quartet’s debut 11-track full-length album “Rites Of Ascension” features 6 Maclean-penned compositions, 1 Brownman original and 4 re-imagined Herbie Hancock classics, all recorded at the renowned Canterbury Studios in Toronto.

Produced by Brownman Ali, the new disc was released internationally on Browntasauras Records on October, 2017 and has won 3 ‘Gold’ Global Music Awards in the ‘jazz’, ‘band’, and ‘album’ categories; has been nominated for CJSF’s ‘2018 Julian Award of Excellence’; and was featured as one of the Global Music Awards’ ‘Top 5 Albums of Spring 2018’. The one Brownman original appearing on Rites Of Ascension entitled “Madness Of Nero”, was a semi-finalist at the 2017 International Song Competition(ISC) in the ‘jazz’ category.

Repeatedly regarded as a modern take on the ferocious and hard-swinging post-bop era, the group has been busy in the Canadian jazz club circuit and featured in numerous clubs, festivals and concert series including multiple appearances at the Toronto Jazz Festival both as a featured ensemble and an often requested backing band. In addition to their original material, the ensemble has also mounted several popular tribute series to jazz masters including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Clark Terry & Cole Porter.

David Henman (April Wine) joins Nicole Lisa Craig for her return to the Old Church. She describes herself as super sensitive to the world around her, at 6’3″ Nicole Lisa Craig stands tall and strong and can belt out a song with so much emotion and passion, taking her audiences on an emotional journey. Her songs have content beyond the typical song topics, offering messages of self empowerment, global awareness and universal connectivity.

Nicole love’s the music of the 60s and 70s, grew up with the alternative music of the 90s and has studied classically performing in symphony orchestras for over 7 years. These varied influences in her life, have come together to create a one of a kind musical experience, her latest album LIFT.

This album blends the emotion and dynamics of classical music with the storytelling of folk music, the edginess of alternative rock and the open creativeness of modern day underground pop. It features David Henman (co-founder of April Wine who is a Juno recipient and a Canadian Hall of Fame inductee) and Juno award winner Howard Baer on bass.

It’s music for our times crossing all borders, carrying a message that Nicole hopes will give listeners a sense of connection and a lift to a better place. This is especially important to Nicole since she has suffered personally with and has been surviving a winning battle against depression. We can all use a lift sometimes she says.

The first thing that grabs you is the voice. Crisp yet emotive and utterly indifferent to gravity, it glides then soars over a deceptively simple foundation of guitar and piano alternately conjuring jazzy pop and poppy jazz with a smidge of folk that’s utterly unlike anything you’ve heard before but something you instantly want to hear again.

​This is the music of Taylor Angus, the fast-emerging duo featuring namesake singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Taylor Angus and her partner, guitarist/songwriter Logan Brown.

Together, the pair – by their reckoning, spiritual cousins to Buckingham Nicks but musically closer to Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass – crafts original songs so unique yet accessible that their brilliant new six-track EP, Sympathy For You, can be viewed as both an artistic statement and a statement of intent.

​Recorded over a few intense days in winter 2017 at Hamilton’s Catherine North Studios with bassist Oscar Ansetti guesting, Sympathy For You is a snapshot of Taylor Angus and Logan Brown’s total convergence as a duo after performing solo: she at Ottawa Bluesfest and recording a demo with legendary producer Thom Panunzio at Interscope Studios in Los Angeles, and he winning multiple guitar and songwriting awards across Ontario.

​The duo’s easy harmony is palpable in songs like ‘Cry Me A River’ which finds Angus’ voice draped like a shawl across Brown’s supple acoustic guitar, and in the earwormy and sprightly ‘Your Choice’ which, along with plaintive ballad ‘Lay Down,’ features Brown sharing lead vocals for the first time.

​Though they tend to write songs separately, Angus and Brown confirm their status as a couple impacts their music. “There is a chemistry people pick up on,” Brown says. “We love each other and we love the songs and, without getting too cheesy, that’s prevalent whenever we perform. People just seem to get into a good mood… whether we’re playing a pub or a concert hall.”

​That Sympathy For You comes with 3D glasses to better enhance its cover image is further proof the couple follows their instinct no matter what. “It is an undertaking to include the glasses in the CD,” Angus laughs. “But we thought it would be cool.”

Sometimes, cool is enough… especially when you boast the inimitable sound and style of Taylor Angus.

Lovers of folk music and storytelling, join acts Kate Weekes and Moonfruits for a cozy bilingual evening of laughs and reverie. Both based in Eastern Ontario, Weekes and Moonfruits are crossing paths on the road and joining forces for a sweet double bill at Church!

Fronted by partners Alex Millaire and Kaitlin Milroy, Ottawa-based Moonfruits are makers of art-folk bilingue. In a forest of banjo, guitar, kalimba and glockenspiel, their voices burrow and soar. Here is a reverie, tender and powerful, beckoning listeners to elevate the stuff of everyday life.

Four-time 2019 Trille Or nominees, Moonfruits have toured Canada coast to coast, moving audiences with a live show that mixes French and English organically, playfully, intentionally. Their début full-length Ste-Quequepart (2017) \saint-kehk-pahr or Saint Somewhere\ is an elaborate small town fiction that explores the faces of gentrification, isolation and community.

“… a tremendous live act. They bring an emotional passion and authenticity to their music that truly makes their show come alive … they absolutely brought the house down.” — Jan Hall, Folk Roots Radio

With the release of her third solo album, Taken by Surprise (2019), singer/songwriter and guitarist Kate Weekes expertly maps the musical spot where landscapes and emotions converge via accessible, jazzy folk/pop inspired by the planet’s northernmost locales and the people in them. Alongside producer and multi-instrumentalist James Stephens, Weekes has created a dazzling sonic scrapbook of experiences which are buoyed by Weekes’ inimitable performance style and flair for storytelling.

“Kate Weekes has the ability to capture the Canadian state of being with deftly placed imagery like a painter covers the canvas in extraordinary colour. Totally an engaging human being, she is one of the new generation of new artists that have shaken the older generation of songwriters and music fans with clarity of purpose.” — Mitch Podolak, Home Routes

When Lara Margaret Marjerrison’s eldest sister died by suicide her world was rocked off its axis. In an effort to reconcile the irreconcilable, she turned to her creative outlets, primarily painting and poetry. In surrendering fully to her creative process, she found a way to turn her broken heart into art. What remains is a beautiful guidebook to grief and finding life and magic again in the forever-changed landscape.

Lara is a compelling and passionate performer. She is intelligent, deeply sensitive, and brave. In her storytelling she combines formal training and technique with a fierce rawness that tears away any facade, leaving her wide open and profoundly connected to her audience. There’s not a false moment to be found. See her!

Join author and poet, Lara Margaret Marjerrison, for an evening of storytelling and fundraising in support of the Toronto People with AIDS’ Friends for Life Bike Rally.

With your donation (online or at the door) you will receive a gift of a printed original poem on archival paper, suitable for framing.

There will be a DRAW each evening of the tour and three winners per evening will receive a signed copy of grief & loss & love & sex.**

The evening will include storytelling and spoken word performance, a Q&A, and an opportunity to chat with the author. The stories told and poems recited will stitch together the universality across humanity of grief and loss and love and sex and the resilience and hope that can be found in even our darkest moments. The aim is to bring the author and her audience together in a spirit of love, community, and inclusiveness for all.

Lara is riding in the Friends for Life Bike Rally—600 kms over six days, from Toronto to Montreal—in her sister’s memory.

This event is sponsored by J&B Books in Trenton. All donations go to PWA directly and are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

** grief & loss & love & sex is scheduled for re-release later this year. Winners will receive their books by mail upon re-release.

Marianne Girard and Allan Fraser share a collective 90 years of songwriting and performing. They return to The Old Church Theatre for one night of their remarkable musical chemistry. Over the past 3 years, they’ve been in artist residencies in Italy, Mexico and Germany, and have now settled in St. Andrews, New Brunswick.

Join them for another memorable evening of story and song, old and new.

“The wonderful Allan Fraser finds a new partner in the remarkable Marianne Girard.” – No Depression: The Roots Music Authority

GROUCHO MARX liked Allan Fraser’s music so much he invited him for dinner at his home in the Hollywood Hills.

The New York Times said of Fraser’s songs,

“…with this range of feeling, dense imagery and unexpected depth, these words may well find a place in the oral tradition of poetry.”

Fraser’s compositions have been recorded by Tom Russell, Garrison Keillor with Andra Suchy, of Prairie Home Companion, Cal Hand with Leo Kottke, Pat Donahue, Bill Hinkley and Judy Larson, The Duhks, Penny Lang and Ron Hynes.

NPR listed Allan’s signature song, Dance Hall Girls, as one of the 10 best songs of all time. Songwriter Hall of Fame member John Oates recorded Dance Hall Girls on two recent albums which he calls a tribute to the songs that shaped his career.

Fraser is best known as one half of Fraser & DeBolt who toured extensively and recorded two influential albums with Columbia Records.

CANADIAN FOLK MUSIC AWARDS nominee Marianne Girard has recorded three solo albums and appeared on many compilation albums, as artist and session musician. She has toured her music in North America and Europe to such praise as:

“This Canadian Nightingale has not left my player in weeks” –RTL Radio Belgium.

“… a revelation … served exquisitely by a voice that’s unequivocally pure and unrestrained.” –Toronto Star

Our Open Mic host Randy Stewart is launching a show

at the Old Church Theatre.

The Old Church Theatre is proud to present Tales from Bell Island, two productions from Dr. Ian Feltham and an opportunity to draw on the roots of Ian’s love for theatre born of Newfoundland and Labrador.Nightshade is written and directed by Ian and will be followed by Robert Chafe’s Butler’s Marsh where Ian once again wears his director’s hat.

Butler’s Marsh can be found on Bell Island in Conception Bay, Newfoundland. It is just a short drive and ferry ride from St. John’s where Ian Feltham grew up. Ian first saw Robert Chafe’s play Butler’s Marsh almost 20 years ago at the LSPU Hall in downtown St. John’s. This spooky, atmospheric play has stuck with him ever since.

Ian’s love of theatre germinated in the cold snowdrifts of Labrador where he first performed with the Mokami Players. Since his arrival on the “Mainland” he has had the privilege to act,direct and write for the stage in Belleville, Trenton and Brighton.

Robert Chafe is a Governor General’s award winning playwright from Newfoundland. His work has been seen by audiences across Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia. With “Butler’s Marsh” he has woven an intimate tale that connects some of the folk legends of rural Newfoundland with a search for answers to questions that may best not be asked. (Note: Adult themes and language)

To complement the production of Butler’s Marsh, Ian has written Nightshade. It also takes us to the woods with a “seasoned” couple on their first date. A strange place for a first date but it is all innocent enough, isn’t it?

The Old Church Theatre is proud to present Tales from Bell Island, two productions from Dr. Ian Feltham and an opportunity to draw on the roots of Ian’s love for theatre born of Newfoundland and Labrador.Nightshade is written and directed by Ian and will be followed by Robert Chafe’s Butler’s Marsh where Ian once again wears his director’s hat.

Butler’s Marsh can be found on Bell Island in Conception Bay, Newfoundland. It is just a short drive and ferry ride from St. John’s where Ian Feltham grew up. Ian first saw Robert Chafe’s play Butler’s Marsh almost 20 years ago at the LSPU Hall in downtown St. John’s. This spooky, atmospheric play has stuck with him ever since.

Ian’s love of theatre germinated in the cold snowdrifts of Labrador where he first performed with the Mokami Players. Since his arrival on the “Mainland” he has had the privilege to act,direct and write for the stage in Belleville, Trenton and Brighton.

Robert Chafe is a Governor General’s award winning playwright from Newfoundland. His work has been seen by audiences across Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia. With “Butler’s Marsh” he has woven an intimate tale that connects some of the folk legends of rural Newfoundland with a search for answers to questions that may best not be asked. (Note: Adult themes and language)

To complement the production of Butler’s Marsh, Ian has written Nightshade. It also takes us to the woods with a “seasoned” couple on their first date. A strange place for a first date but it is all innocent enough, isn’t it?

The Old Church Theatre is proud to present Tales from Bell Island, two productions from Dr. Ian Feltham and an opportunity to draw on the roots of Ian’s love for theatre born of Newfoundland and Labrador.Nightshade is written and directed by Ian and will be followed by Robert Chafe’s Butler’s Marsh where Ian once again wears his director’s hat.

Butler’s Marsh can be found on Bell Island in Conception Bay, Newfoundland. It is just a short drive and ferry ride from St. John’s where Ian Feltham grew up. Ian first saw Robert Chafe’s play Butler’s Marsh almost 20 years ago at the LSPU Hall in downtown St. John’s. This spooky, atmospheric play has stuck with him ever since.

Ian’s love of theatre germinated in the cold snowdrifts of Labrador where he first performed with the Mokami Players. Since his arrival on the “Mainland” he has had the privilege to act,direct and write for the stage in Belleville, Trenton and Brighton.

Robert Chafe is a Governor General’s award winning playwright from Newfoundland. His work has been seen by audiences across Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia. With “Butler’s Marsh” he has woven an intimate tale that connects some of the folk legends of rural Newfoundland with a search for answers to questions that may best not be asked.

To complement the production of Butler’s Marsh, Ian has written Nightshade. It also takes us to the woods with a “seasoned” couple on their first date. A strange place for a first date but it is all innocent enough, isn’t it?

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

An evening of Voiceover with Peter Wood, the voice of the Kool Aid Man. Oh Yeah!

Known for his deep rich voice and friendly disposition Peter has thoroughly enjoyed being a voice actor and wishes to spend an evening presenting and discussing what voice acting is and having you try you hand or voice at it in a light heart interactive evening.

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

On this May 2-4 long weekend we are lighting our new wood fired pizza oven. Join us on Saturday and try out our pizza, meet up with friends, play some games, and listen to great tunes of your own choosing with our signature ‘All Requesta Fiesta’. You can’t go wrong when you come to church on a bright sunny day and fun evening. Come on up to the House! We’ll be here from 4PM on.

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

Trenton’s Old Church Theatre proudly presents National Jazz Award winners for “electric jazz group of the year”, the BROWNMAN ELECTRYC TRIO — who NPR (National Public Radio) in New York City has called “the new standard in electric-jazz”. —-

— 2007 National Jazz Award “Electric Jazz Group of the Year” — 2011 Trinidad High Commission citation: “Distinguished National” — 2013, 2015, 2016 : 3x Toronto Independent Music Award winner — 2014 International Independent Music Award winner —- “Awards are nice, naturally, but to dig what Brownman is doing, you’ve got to see him live. I had a chance to do just that over the summer when Brownman fronted his killer trio … I came away with a blown mind. This guy’s got chops galore, soul to match, and a sense of phrasing that recalls many of the greats, but suggests itself to be his own.” – Buffalo News —- In recent years, when not touring the globe the Brooklyn based multi-award-winning Trinidadian-born trumpet player BROWNMAN ALI — the last trumpet player for iconic jazz-hip-hop group Guru’s Jazzmatazz — spends much of his artistic time in the exploration of modern “chordless” jazz -> music produced without a chordal instrument (guitar or keyboard). He had previously explored this tonal quality for a decade with his highly lauded latin-jazz group CRUZAO, and more recently with his heavily decorated & now internationally acclaimed Miles Davis influenced BROWNMAN ELECTRYC TRIO. Taking a similar trajectory as the acclaimed 2009 debut release “Juggernaut”, this highly energized bombastic trio’s 2013 sophmore release “Gravitation: A Study In Freefall” — on Brownman’s own label Browntasauras Records — shot to number 4 on the iTunes USA jazz charts and was declared “the new standard in electric-jazz” by National Public Radio (NPR) in New York City. Among a long list of awards & accolades, the trio would win an International Independent Music Award for “Jazz-Funk Album of the Year”, 3 Toronto Independent Music Awards for “Jazz Group of the Year” and a National Jazz Award for “electric jazz group of the year”.

“The trio folds aspects of Black American Music into a chordless jazz framework”, states Brownman. “When we’re not playing originals, we often take classic standards from the 30s through the 50s and re-imagine them as if they were written today and being produced by, say, DJ Premier. The end result is something that hopefully sounds relevant in today’s musical paradigm, but still resonates with the history and lineage of the jazz tradition. And yeah – you’ll hear a lot of Miles Davis’ influence in that resulting sound”.

The ensemble itself is aptly described by CODA magazine: “Brownman’s powerful electrified trio captures the essence of the later years in Miles Davis’ life, his electric period, without imitation. Brownman’s ELECTRYC TRIO is uniquely his own, yet echoes with the sounds of ‘Bitches Brew’ and ‘In a Silent Way’ right down to Miles’ use of electronics while still managing to stay grounded in the sounds of today. Clearly paying apt tribute to Brownman’s NYC mentor Randy Brecker, they are a truly impressive and energized modern jazz outfit.”

============================= QUOTES ============================= “Colliding Black American Music traditions (hip-hop, soul, funk, r’n’b) with blazing virtuosity jazz improvising, this unique trio sounds relevant in today’s musical paradigm, while still speaking to the history of the jazz tradition.” – New York Post

“Brownman’s Electryc Trio is lively, entertaining and hip … the atmosphere is seriously funky … the music’s muscular and quick, much of it thrilling…” – Whole Note Magazine

“Brownman is the real deal… this abundantly talented young musician was handpicked by the late MC Guru to blow the sinewy lines that made his Jazzmatazz project such a groundbreaking hybrid of jazz and hip-hop… with each appearance the buzz surrounding the bold and electric Brownman style has grown in amplitude.” – Art Voice Magazine

============================= ABOUT BROWNMAN ALI ============================= Heralded as “Canada’s preeminent Jazz trumpeter” by NYC’s Village Voice, Brownman Ali – born on the small Caribbean island of Trinidad, & schooled in NYC – is a multiple award-winning NYC-schooled protégé to his teacher, Grammy-winning trumpet legend, Randy Brecker. He tirelessly leads 7 unique ensembles of his own including the internationally acclaimed Miles Davis influenced BROWNMAN ELECTRYC TRIO, and the award-winning CRUZAO latin-jazz quintet. All these ensembles record under Brownman’s own much lauded BROWNTASAURAS RECORDS label, established in 2009. In high demand in the studio world with over 300 CD appearances to date, Brownman delivers stylistically authentic horn playing over a wide range of styles from bebop to hiphop having worked with the likes of Guru’s Jazzmatazz (replacing Donald Byrd in that primordial ensemble), Mos Def, KRS-1, Quincy Jones, Paul Simon, Jay-z, Missy Elliot, Mingus Dynasty Big Band, Gary Bartz, Chucho Valdes & far too many more to name here. He is considered to be one of the most unique and provocative improvising trumpet players in the nation today and is widely regarded as a vanguard for the evolution of Jazz in Canada.

A highly decorated player, his awards & accolades include 2 National Jazz Awards (with 11 nominations over the years), Montreal Jazz Fest’s “Grand Prix Du Jazz” award, a CBC Galaxie Rising Star award, a SOCAN composers award, an International Independent Music Award for “Album of the Year”, 3 Toronto Independent Music Awards for “Jazz Artist Of The Year” (9 nominations), a Black Canadian Award nomination for “Jazz Musician of the Year”, an induction into the WHO’S WHO IN BLACK CANADA, a Caribbean Music Award nomination, a BRAVO! channel documentary on his life, NOW magazine naming him “Toronto’s Best Jazz Musician”, CBC Radio Canada named him “one of the most recorded trumpet players in Canadian history”, NPR in New York calls him “the new standard in electric jazz”, the Trinidad & Tobago Consulate General awarded him with a citation for being a “Distinguished National of Trinidad” and he has been listed by Air Canada as one of the “Top 10 reasons to visit Toronto”.

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

It’s Comedy Night at the Old Church Theatre! Improv , jokes, friends, and laughs!

The true story of human civilization doesn’t begin with the discovery of fire and it doesn’t end with a rhyming couplet in iambic pentameter …it begins with “a guy walks into a bar” and ends with a punch line. Now, the naysayers among us may disagree. I can hear them now. “That’s a joke,” they will say. But enough about that. The Old Church Theatre is looking for a few folks who can tell a good joke and we’re willing to offer an embarrassingly inexpensive prize of enormously exaggerated importance to whoever tells the best. It’s the First Annual Old Church Theatre “Stop Me if You’ve Heard This One” Contest where contestants will compete for the honour of calling themselves the Old Church Theatre’s Biggest Joker and the privilege of taking home the highly sought after but slightly tarnished Guffaw. It’s just like an Oscar or an Emmy or a Genie but without any shred of dignity. Come out to compete or come out just to laugh. It’s an event so cheap it’s free. Register in advance or just come out prepared to tell your best joke or four.

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

Please join us for a staged reading of “The Friends of Freddie Sullivan”, a hilarious new two-act comedy by Peter Paylor, read by many of the region’s finest actors. Come and meet Alan. Like many of us, he grew up with imaginary friends. There was Katie and Suzie and Austin and Gordon; they had tea parties in his room. But they weren’t real. Right? So why are they suddenly showing up at Alan’s door, adults now, with adult problems? Katie and Austin got married and it’s not going well. Suzie’s in rehab and it’s not going well either. Gordon’s in prison, again. And Nicky? She’s Katie’s imaginary friend, but Katie’s imaginary too. Nicky’s an actress. She just married Brian. Brian is an actor. They met doing “Anne of Green Gables” in Charlottetown. It’s a real play even though Anne Shirley is imaginary. Brian is real too. So is Liz. She’s Alan’s wife. She’s going on a cruise to the fjords. The fjords are real. They’re in Norway. Freddie Sullivan isn’t real; he’s really Alan. He once got his head stuck in the mouth of a cannon. Confused? You won’t be. “The Friends of Freddie Sullivan” will be read by Lise Lindenberg, Christine Leggat, Wendy Roy, Alex Bell, Chris Bauer, Darren Moore and Rick Zimmerman.

Space will be limited. To be sure of a seat you may reserve and donate online:

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

We’ll be open at 6PM for Wood Fired Pizza and drinks on the patio. Bring your guitar or just come for the fun.

It’s one of those oddball months with a fifth Wednesday. Rather than wait until the first Wednesday of June to get together for Open Mic we thought why not do something different on the last Wednesday in May? So we’ve decided to have our first outdoor acoustic ‘jam/song circle’ under our big tent. We’ll get together anytime after 6PM. Bring your appetite as we’ll be firing up (literally) the wood fired pizza oven. We encourage musicians to have songs that others might join in on. That’s how it will start. Take it where it goes from there. We won’t be plugging in or signing up. It’s a completely informal gig. Hope you can make it.

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

Known throughout North America as the lead singer and a founding member of multi-platinum country-roots group Prairie Oyster, Russell deCarle has spent the last decade carving out a solo career, concentrating on songwriting and rhythm guitar playing.

Russell’s sound is a celebration and culmination of a lifetime of music, including a time when Buck Owens, The Beatles, and Frank Sinatra would all be played back to back on the radio.

He is currently touring in support of his third recording, a studio album of mostly original material titled “Alone In This Crowd”, released in July 2017. The album offers a fluent collection of songs that mix southern soul and restrained balladry, with obvious touches of southern soul, jazz, blues, and old-school country. deCarle’s songwriting has absorbed all those influences, and he avidly listens to both soul singers and the men and women who made early country music so compelling.

As the venerable jazz and blues, bible Downbeat Magazine said about Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley “It’s a rare and good thing when two talented performers join forces”. Audiences, critics, and blues lovers all over North America and Europe seem to agree. Diana Braithwaite is a descendant of the Wellington County pioneers in Canada. With roots in Florida, Diana’s ancestors escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad and lived for four generations in Wellington County, the first African-Canadian pioneer settlement in Ontario. Diana combines elements from Nina Simone, Esther Phillips, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan and others to create her unique, authentic jazz and blues style. A forceful presence recognized on the Canadian and American music scene as an artist with a unique sound who is keeping the authentic traditional jazz and blues sound alive.

Multi-Instrumentalist Chris Whiteley was born in Kansas. Whiteley has performed on over 200 recordings with the likes of Leon Redbone and Blind John Davis. In Canada, Whiteley has received the Blues with a Feeling Award, for lifetime achievement in the blues. In January 2014 Chris Whiteley won the Maple Blues Award for the top blues horn player in Canada–for the 7th time. Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley have recorded six previous albums together and have toured all over North America, UK and Europe winning numerous awards for their songwriting and albums together. Their first CD collaboration, MORNING SUN, garnered rave reviews, extensive airplay, and led to multiple Canadian MAPLE BLUES AWARD nominations, including Album of the year, and Acoustic Act of the year. Their second albums also recorded for the Electro-Fi label; NIGHTBIRD BLUES was extremely well received, with great reviews and airplay internationally. It led to them being awarded three MAPLE BLUES AWARDS in January 2010, including being recognised as SONGWRITERS OF THE YEAR. Their third Electro-Fi release, DeltaPhonic, led to more Maple Blues Awards and reached #1 on B.B. Kings Bluesville XM Sirius satellite radio network. Collectively they have been awarded 9 MAPLE BLUES AWARDS and six JUNO Nominations. They have continued to tour tirelessly across Europe and North America, appearing at Festivals and concerts, as well as numerous radio and television appearances. Highlights include four successful tours of Art Centers and Blues venues in the U.K., including featured performances at the Great British R & B Festival in Colne and the Monaghan Harvest Blues Festival in Ireland, concert appearances in Russia and Europe, and numerous national tours of Canada. Their American profile continues to expand, with such events as the Hudson River Park Blues Festival in New York City, Tinner Hill Blues Fest in Virginia, and appearances on Fox T.V. and National Public Radio.Braithwaite was dubbed a “national treasure” by JAZZ FM radio host Danny Marks. A gifted and captivating performer, Diana was chosen by Sarah McLachlan to open Lilith Fair at the Molson Amphitheatre, before 18,000 people, Her talent, and authentic shows have led her into the company of such stalwarts as Mel Brown, Albert Collins, John Lee Hooker and Jeff Healey. Appearances at shows in North America, U.K. and Europe led to her reputation as a world-class jazz and blues singer. As a teenage performer, Whiteley worked with jazz and blues legend Lonnie Johnson. During the late 70’s he toured and recorded with Leon Redbone, appearing with him on Saturday Night Live. He also met a great mentor in legendary Chicago piano player Blind John Davis, who had been the house piano player at Bluebird Records. Whiteley toured and recorded with Davis and also built a solid reputation and career as a solo artist and as a multi-instrumental session player. Appearing on over 200 recordings lead Whiteley to numerous Canadian Maple Blues Awards as both songwriter and horn player of the year. Jazz Report Magazine awarded him the Blues Album of the Year Award. In 2010 Whiteley was awarded the prestigious BLUES WITH A FEELING AWARD, for a truly earned lifetime of achievement in the blues. In 2017 Diana and Chris signed with the international music publishing house – Nightingale Music to create and produce original songs for inclusion in movies, TV, film. 2018 will see the release of a new album of classic jazz, both standards and lesser-known songs, that show off Diana’s vocal mastery of vintage jazz and Chris’s expressive award-winning sound on the trumpet and cornet. Working with longtime friend and former 20-year musical director for Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Café, John Sheard, noted jazz bass player Ron Johnston, and exciting, talented drummer Colin Kingsmore, this project offers a huge promise of great things to come

Garrett Mason was raised in Truro, Nova Scotia by his mother Pam, and father, veteran Canadian Bluesman Dutch Mason. His path to become a blues musician started at a very early age; being surrounded by blues music, Garrett’s favourite tapes at 3 years old were Canned Heat and Buddy Rich. What really sealed the deal for Garrett to become a blues guitarist came after watching a video of Stevie Ray Vaughn “Live At the El Mocambo” – he was hooked.

“My favourite Canadian Blues Solo Artist is Garrett Mason. Nobody can do what he does!”…Jimmy Bowskill.

Joining Garrett is poet friend J.G.Lutes, making each night of the tour a time for both music and ideas. The tour was born from a chance invite Lutes accepted to read poems at a music festival last fall where J.G. was recorded reading his original work. “I shared a video with Garrett of me reading poems at the North Along The Shore Festival, in Avondale, NS. He liked it and said I should open for him. I suggested we do a tour together.” The result is thirteen dates throughout Eastern Canada.

“We’re both from small towns in Nova Scotia and I think that makes for a rural honesty in our work,” Lutes says. “I’m so proud to share a little bit of the stage with Garrett because he’s really an unbelievable musical force. If you haven’t seen him perform, and if you are intrigued by spoken word, then come out and hear a special collaboration.”

With a sprawling vocal range and compelling approach to composition, PEI’s Dylan Menzie has made an indelible mark in the Canadian music market. After hitting number one on CBC Radio 2’s Top 20 with his breakout single, “Kenya,” Menzie dropped 2016’s Adolescent Nature to acclaim from across Canada. Drawing clear influence from the likes of My Morning Jacket, Fleet Foxes, and Joel Plaskett without being derivative of anyone, the quality of his songs heavily belies the young artist’s age.

On the back of his growing success, Menzie has performed alongside acts like City & Colour and Ron Sexsmith, showcased at major international music festivals, and was featured on CTV’s prime time music program, The Launch.His most recent release, As the Clock Rewinds , is a collection of stripped-down and reimagined cuts from Adolescent Nature that further showcases his artistry and cements his status as an undeniable talent.

Tony Silvestri is an accomplished performer/songwriter in Ontario, Canada, who welds a variety of rock and alternative styles to create a unique musical experience. Tony is known for encompassing a broad range of genres in his performances, being influenced by a full spectrum of talented musicians such as Radiohead, Steely Dan, and Jeff Buckley. He has been performing live for over 15 years.

Since first planting roots within the Canadian music scene in 2011, Ken Yates has steadily grown a reputation as one of the country’s brightest singer/songwriters. He won both “Songwriter of the year” and “New/Emerging Artist of the Year” at the 2017 Canadian Folk Music Awards. His sound offers the complete package—unforgettable melodies, emotionally charged storytelling, and top-notch guitar chops—all gloriously displayed on Yates’ new album, Huntsville.

Produced by Jim Bryson (Weakerthans, Kathleen Edwards), Yates’ second full-length effort is a major stylistic step forward, with its 11 tracks capturing his artistic evolution amid extensive touring over the past three years. “Keep Your Head Down,” with its subtle, driving groove, opens the album like a train pulling out at dawn, with vast, open vistas lying ahead. Those come into focus on other key tracks such as “Once More To The Lake,” “Roll Me On Home” and “The Best Part Of Leaving.” Yet, everywhere on the album, echoes of the Canadian songwriting tradition, from Gordon Lightfoot to Bruce Cockburn to Ron Sexsmith, are apparent, proving that with Huntsville, Ken Yates is ready to join that exalted company. A native of London, Ontario (a few hours’ drive south of the actual Huntsville), Yates studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. His first release, The Backseat EP, came out in 2011, followed by his full-length debut, twenty-three in 2013. One track on that album caught the ear of fellow Berklee alum John Mayer, who commented in a lengthy blog post, “Ken Yates wrote a song called ‘I Don’t Wanna Fall In Love.’ This song moved me when I first heard it, and it still does today.”

Hailed a “delight” by Folk Radio UK, Reenie and Lea spark a uniquely intimate connection with all audiences, and love including layered sing-alongs in their live performances.

Their debut album, In the Storm, was released in the fall of 2017, to exciting reviews:

“exquisitely performed… an accomplished chamber folk-pop album of grace and elegance”

– Folk Radio UK

“diverse and multifaceted”

– Curve Magazine

“In the Storm illustrates an effortless take on folk-style music. Their honest poetry and musicianship… makes for brilliant artistry.”

– Permanent Rain Press

The duo consists of married couple Reenie Perkovic (vocals, guitar, mandolin) and Lea Kirstein (viola, cello, vocals), who met while studying classical music on the west coast. The ladies have since made a home in Toronto’s vibrant music scene, while continually touring across Canada and the States, with upcoming tours in Europe.

Reenie grew up in the Toronto area, after her family escaped the civil war in her birthplace, Sarajevo, Bosnia. She went west to study percussion and composition at UVic, where she wrote contemporary classical works that were read by the Victoria Symphony. While studying, she continued to play guitar and lead pop bands, touring locally and playing festivals. Reenie was a semi-finalist in the 2016 UK Songwriting Contest, and has released 3 solo albums. She has opened for Juno-nominated Alysha Brilla, and Annabelle Chvostek (Wailin’ Jennys).

Lea is an acclaimed violist and fiddler, who grew up in Victoria, BC, where she studied viola and music education at UVic. Classical musician by day and fiddler by night, Lea discovered new ways of melding the two styles into one. Her passion for these genres took her across Canada & the U.S. with the Folk Arts Quartet. She has recorded with Juno-nominated artists Oliver Schroer and Teresa Doyle.

The duo is passionate about building community & education, and frequently offers workshops at schools, camps, and festivals.